All exams

Computer Based Examination (CBE)

An objective-type multiple-choice examination consisting of 200 questions. The exam tests candidates on General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language. There is no Mathematics section.

Marks obtained in the CBE are used to shortlist candidates for the Skill Test and determine the final merit list.
Computer Based Examination200 marks · 2 hours (120 minutes)
- 0.25 marks (1/4th) deducted for each wrong answer penalty

Preparation Timeline

Suggested phase-by-phase study plan

Phase 1: Foundation & Basics Months 1-2

Clear CBE syllabus basics and start learning Shorthand strokes.

  • Master English grammar rules (Parts of Speech, Tenses, Voice, Narration) as English holds 50% weightage.
  • Learn basic shorthand strokes and joinings from Pitman Instructor (1 hour daily).
  • Complete chapter-wise basics of Reasoning (Coding-Decoding, Series, Blood Relation).
  • Start reading a newspaper for vocabulary and Current Affairs.
Phase 2: Practice & Speed Building Months 3-4

Sectional mocks, increasing shorthand speed, and covering Static GK.

  • Solve previous year chapter-wise questions for Reasoning and English (Kiran/Pinnacle).
  • Cover Static GK topics (Art & Culture, Polity, Geography) from Lucent's.
  • Practice Shorthand dictations at 40-60 wpm. Focus on grammalogues and phrases.
Phase 3: Full Mocks & Skill Mastery Months 5-6 (Leading up to exams)

Time management in CBE and achieving 80/100 wpm in Shorthand.

  • Take full-length CBE mock tests (120 mins). Analyze weak areas and time taken per section.
  • Take audio dictations from Kailash Chandra magazines (for English steno) or Ramdhari Gupta (for Hindi steno) at target speeds (80/100 wpm).
  • Transcribe dictations on a PC keyboard and analyze error percentage.

Exam Details

Concise and stable information snapshot

Overview

SSC Stenographer is a popular exam for 12th pass candidates seeking Central Government jobs. It does not require Mathematics. The selection process consists of a Computer Based Examination (CBE) covering Reasoning, General Awareness, and English, followed by a qualifying Skill Test in Stenography (Shorthand).

Posts

  • Stenographer Grade 'C' (Group 'B', Non-Gazetted)
  • Stenographer Grade 'D' (Group 'C')

Eligibility

Educational Qualification 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University
Age Limit 18 to 30 years for Grade 'C', 27 years for Grade 'D' (as on 01.08.2025) years
Age Relaxation SC/ST: +5 years | OBC: +3 years | PwBD (Unreserved): +10 years | Ex-Servicemen: +3 years after deduction of military service
Nationality Citizen of India, Subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated with the intention of permanently settling in India

Tags

sscstenographergrade-cgrade-dcentral-govtnon-maths

Dive Deeper into SSC Steno

Explore specific sections in detail

Eligibility Criteria Exam Pattern & Stages Preparation Strategy Books & Resources Job Posts & Profiles

Recommended Resources

Curated study materials for preparation

English Language & Comprehension

Objective General English — S.P. Bakshi

Book

Great for grammar rules and vocabulary practice.

A Mirror of Common Errors — Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh

Book

Excellent for Spotting Error type questions.

Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis

Book

Highly recommended for building vocabulary roots.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal

Book

Standard book for conceptual clarity.

SSC Reasoning Chapterwise Previous Year Solved Papers

Book

Essential for practicing exact exam-level questions and learning TCS patterns.

General Awareness

Lucent’s General Knowledge

Book

The ultimate book for Static GK, History, Polity, and Geography.

Speedy or Eduteria Current Affairs

Magazine

Good for covering yearly current affairs compilations.

Stenography (Skill Test)

Pitman Shorthand Instructor and Key

Book

The bible for beginners learning English Shorthand strokes.

Kailash Chandra Shorthand Magazines

Magazine

Best for practicing 80-100 wpm dictations (English).

Last updated: 9 Mar 2026